Choosing the right faucet is not easy. Therefore, it is especially frustrating to see your faucet corrode. Here's a list of the main causes of corrosion and how to avoid them.

In short, hard water, improper cleaning, and low-pH water are the main causes. Let's dive in.

Hard or Acidic Water

When water contains a high concentration of minerals (usually calcium and magnesium), it is called hard water. Over time, these minerals build up on pipes and the inside of the faucet. When they are on the faucet, these built-up mineral deposits trap moisture and aggressive chemicals, and can even accumulate in the gaps of the faucet and damage the surface. Another problem with water is its acidity (pH < 7). Test it to find out if it's the reason your faucets are corroding.

Cleaning Products

Using cleaning products with ammonia, bleach, or vinegar can contribute to the degradation of the protective finish. Afterward, corrosion will start to form almost immediately. To avoid this, don't leave these chemical solutions on the faucet for too long.

Abrasive Cleaning

Excessive cleaning with abrasive powders or hard sponges can also destroy the protective layer. Don’t scrub too much if the faucet is already clean, and instead use a toothbrush in areas that are still dirty.

Galvanic Reactions

When two metals, for example, a brass faucet and a steel fitting, stay wet for a long time, the water will transfer ions from one metal to the other. This often happens with steel, and almost always inside the faucet, so it's hard to notice it right away.

What to Do?

Avoid harsh chemicals (or don't leave them for too long), wipe your faucet dry after cleaning or heavy use, don't scrub clean faucets too hard, soften your hard water, inspect faucets regularly, and choose faucets with a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish.